Winning on the road in sports is hard. We know that’s especially true in team golf, shown by the emphasis Europe put on winning the Ryder Cup in “enemy” territory this year. The numbers have historically held true with the Carey Cup as well, with the MGA owning just one previous victory (1-5-2) on foreign soil against Golf Ireland. However, as Europe was up for the challenge in 2025, so was the MGA squad, as they secured the 12.5 – 9.5 victory at Portmarnock Golf Links in October.
Day 1 saw Ireland take a 3-2 edge in morning foursomes, but the MGA bounced back with a 3.5 – 1.5 tally in afternoon four-ball to lead by one heading into the decisive singles matches on the second and final day.
After a 4-0 performance the first day, the MGA’s women competitors – stacked with recent U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur champion Ina Kim-Schaad and teen standout Rayee Feng – continued their stellar play in singles, taking four of five matches. That left the MGA needing just two points from the men’s singles lineup to re-capture the cup.
Two-time MGA Player of the Year Mark Costanza of Baltusrol locked up a convincing 6-and-5 victory, while Christian Cavaliere of Hudson National earned the clinching point with a 2-up win.
Veteran Darin Goldstein of Deepdale provided the final point for the 12.5 total.
The victory brought the all-time record in the matches to 8-7-3 in favor of Ireland. However, the MGA has held the upper hand as of late, going 5-1-2 since 2011. The MGA has now maintained possession of the Carey Cup since 2019, its longest stretch in the event’s history.
Team MGA will look to continue its strong performance in the biennial matches in 2027, when they welcome the Irish to The Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J.